The Edo State Government has approved the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and the recruitment of 500 new teachers to address teacher shortages and enhance the quality of public education across the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, announced this in Benin City during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”
According to Dr. Iyamu, the decision reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to reforming the education sector, rewarding dedication, and empowering teachers who have contributed selflessly to the development of public primary and secondary schools.
“Come October 15, we are going to present letters of appointment to about 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers who have been teaching for the past three years. In addition, the government will recruit another 500 teachers into the system,” he announced.
Dr. Iyamu explained that the move would end the era of prolonged probation for volunteer teachers who have served without confirmation, describing it as both a moral and professional necessity.
“Even an apprentice does not train for three years without confirmation,” he added, assuring that the teachers would receive their appointment letters at a public ceremony in Government House.
He further highlighted that the state had built over 68 new schools in less than one year and trained over 6,000 teachers in digital literacy, robotics, and artificial intelligence to strengthen classroom delivery.
“When we build schools without teachers, they are just empty buildings. We are investing in people who will shape our children’s future,” Iyamu emphasized.
In addition to recruitment, the commissioner revealed that the government had institutionalised “Teachers’ Fitness Day,” to be celebrated annually on October 4, to promote teachers’ health and well-being. He also disclosed that the governor had approved the creation of a Best Teacher Award, to be presented every November 25, in recognition of exceptional performance and dedication.
Teachers, Union Leaders Commend Government
In his remarks, Bernard Ajobiewe, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo State Wing, commended the government for implementing the N75,000 minimum wage, promoting teachers, and renovating schools across the state.
However, he urged the government to focus on recruiting more teachers in rural areas to bridge manpower gaps and ensure equal access to education.
“If we renovate schools and there are no teachers, we have done nothing,” he stated.
Ajobiewe also raised concerns about the dilapidated infrastructure in rural schools and called for the payment of accrued promotion arrears and implementation of financial benefits for promoted teachers. He warned against handing over public schools to missionary bodies, arguing that such policies could marginalize disadvantaged learners.
“Handing over schools to missionaries will create inequities and limit access for children from marginalized groups,” he cautioned.
Also speaking, Ebanehita Omonzane, Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), urged teachers to continue molding young minds with patience and integrity, describing them as “true nation builders.”
Delivering the keynote lecture, Comrade Joe Iyalekhue, retired Principal Assistant Secretary-General of NUT, underscored the importance of teamwork in modern education.
“No teacher can succeed in isolation. Collaboration, not competition, is the future of education,” he said.
The announcement that the Edo Government absorbs 4,000 volunteer teachers and recruits 500 new staff has been widely praised as a decisive step towards revitalizing the state’s education system. Analysts say the move not only recognizes teachers’ sacrifices but also strengthens the human capital driving Governor Okpebholo’s education reform agenda.
